Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Smithfield & Stoneybatter Food Festival

Last weekend I embarked on a trip to Tastebud Town. Smithfield & Stoneybatter Food Festival took over the Northside of Dublin. It was like an urban picnic of food pop-ups and eatery experiences, scattered by the coolest cafés, restaurants, bakeries and pubs of Dublin 7 - a celebration of food and drink, simultaneously supporting the local businesses all over the neighbourhood. Much to my regret, I didn't make it to many of the drool-inducing events, missing the gelato samples in Third Space, a veggie banquet, several brunch special editions, tasting boards at Slice and oysters+sushi paired with stout in Dice Bar. In a nutshell, D7's finest with plenty of community spirit.

The snack-seeker in me made me drop by Lilliput Stores, where Viking tapas were being served along with really good wine, The atmosphere was great and I found myself overwhelmed with so many delicious delights around me. I had a meat & cheese board with olives (instead of an equally tempting barley risotto which still haunts me in dreams), caramelised onions, pickles and sourdough bread, paired with a rich, velvety Syrah and there was still room for dessert because, well, there is ALWAYS room for dessert. At least, in my stomach. Red wine makes my gluttony spree lose control so I grabbed not one, not two... but FIVE cakes. 5. My favourite was the dark chocolate and salted caramel triangle, followed by the lime curd and poppyseed cake, which looks sooo Marie Antoinette-esque. Fig and chocolate was also an interesting combo; not to mention the whiskey and cherry muffin (that frosting, praise the Lord!). Well fucking done, Wildflour Bakery, for fixing my sugar needs. Next stop: Drink Store.

Once in my beloved Drink Store, there were so many craft beers and ciders to try... However, the best part was the elderflower potato gin tasting. I didn't expect it to taste that good but it sure did. Kudos to St. Patrick's Distillery. Anyway, this little off licence is class - if you're looking for Portuguese wine, (legal) poitín or a neverending ale tale for all tastes, look no further.

I took my cake box to Walsh's, a personal favourite, where the feast continued, as my appetite knows no boundaries. Cheeseboards were being served with our beverages. Yes, free cheese in the pub! The thinly sliced smoked ham was melting in my mouth and I don't even like smoked ham. There was a pesto and olive spread that was to die for. It was like antipasto porn. Needless to say, I went home well fed and wishing the weekend would last for much longer. With food like that, not even a week would be enough.

I've been to every larger venue in the town and this is one of the best. Their menu is small but at least they seem to do what they have on it well. The event venue Chicago have a variety of salads and sandwiches, and a fresh daily soup.